whatever happened to having to knock out, or win in convincing fashion to beat the champ?

some were saying this gives mayweather an excuse not to fight him, now that hes lost

If anything it gives Bob Arum an excuse not to negotiate a fight with Mayweather. Now instead of pursing that fight, they're doing a rematch instead.

Steve Forbes said it best:

Listen...we all saw the fight... the promotion was geared at a november 10th rematch...you guys couldt see that? This eliminates mayweather from the picture for now... it keeps all money in house...it takes away from the back and forth scrap Maywether/cotto had... and puts the conversation on this fight and what will happen in a rematch... Bradley was the key player in a monopolized plan.. he's young, undefeated, not an idiot, speaks well and well respected. People gave pac credit for taking this fight... but there weren't many options... Rematch will be a huge promotion...with people saying Pacs mad...and gonna go for a knockout.. pure strategical genius by a legendary promoter...if you think I'm wrong...why wasn't Arum outraged? Because the money stays baby!